Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Dec 11, 2025 1 hour, 34 minutes ago
Medical News: Scientists from the University of Kentucky’s Center for Oral Health Research and College of Medicine have uncovered an alarming potential health issue for those suffering from Long COVID. According to a new study, Long COVID might not only affect lungs, brain, and other organs—it may also increase the risk of developing or worsening periodontitis, a serious gum disease that can lead to tooth loss and has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions.
New research suggests Long COVID may contribute to chronic gum disease by driving immune dysfunction and inflammation
Understanding the Conditions
Long COVID, or post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), is a condition in which symptoms persist for weeks or months after recovering from a COVID-19 infection. These symptoms can include fatigue, memory problems, breathing difficulties, and more. On the other hand, periodontitis is a long-term gum infection that damages the soft tissue and can destroy the bone that supports teeth if untreated.
This
Medical News report highlights the growing concerns around oral health in the post-pandemic era, especially as more evidence shows that SARS-CoV-2 can linger in the mouth, gums, and even in the pockets between teeth and gums.
Shared Immune and Inflammatory Pathways
The study found that both Long COVID and periodontitis share similar immune system disruptions. For instance, both conditions show high levels of inflammation, with elevated markers like IL-6, IL-17, and TNF—all linked to tissue destruction in the gums. Neutrophils (a type of white blood cell), overproduced in both conditions, were shown to cause further inflammation and tissue damage.
The researchers explained that Long COVID creates an ongoing immune response that fails to shut off properly. This means even after the virus is gone, the body still acts like it's fighting an infection. This prolonged inflammation can disturb the balance of bacteria in the mouth and cause the immune system to attack healthy gum tissue, leading to or worsening periodontitis.
The Role of ACE2 and Oral Viral Reservoirs
The scientists also revealed that ACE2 receptors, which SARS-CoV-2 uses to enter cells, are found in gum tissues. In fact, people with gum inflammation have more ACE2 receptors in their gums, potentially making it easier for the virus to persist there. This means the mouth, especially areas with gum disease, might act as a hiding spot for the virus—leading to ongoing inflammation and even reactivation of other viruses like Epstein–Barr.
New Risk Group Identified
The study emphasized that people with Long COVID may be an overlooked group at risk for severe dental issues. Many of the same risk factors—like diabetes, obesity, heart disease, low income, and chronic stress—are also linked to poor gum health. The findings suggest that medical professionals should consider dental evalua
tions for Long COVID patients, and that regular dental care might help reduce some symptoms or prevent complications.
Ongoing Research Needed
While the study presents compelling evidence, it also calls for larger population-based studies to confirm this link and fully understand how Long COVID influences oral health. However, the biological pathways linking the two conditions are strong enough that dentists and doctors should be aware of this potential problem.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Biomedicines
https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9059/13/12/3023
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https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/long-covid
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